Bhubaneswar: The 19th UMI conference will provide Odisha with an opportunity to showcase its transformation in urban mobility, including modern public transport systems, transport electrification, non-motorised transport initiatives, smart urban infrastructure and sustainable multimodal connectivity, said Housing and Urban Development department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee during a review meeting with a three-member delegation from Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) here Tuesday.
The delegation, comprising Section Officer Sudhir Singh, guided transport specialist Ranjish Kumar and UMI manager Rina Arora Shrivastava, reviewed preparations with H&UD department for the upcoming 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026, being hosted by Odisha from October 23 to 25. The conference will bring together policymakers, urban transport experts, administrators, industry leaders, academicians and practitioners from the country and abroad to deliberate on emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in the urban mobility sector.
Based on the theme ‘Urban Accessibility and Livability in Digital Age’, the event will focus on accessible, sustainable, inclusive, technology-enabled and climate-resilient urban transport solutions. During the meeting, Padhee emphasised the state government’s commitment to ensuring seamless coordination and effective execution of the conference. The officials reviewed arrangements relating to the conference venue, technical sessions, exhibition pavilions, accommodation and movement of delegates, local transit, protocol, safety and security, besides technical site visits.
Discussions were also held on showcasing Odisha’s urban mobility initiatives and best practices through technical sessions and exhibition displays. The move is aimed at providing delegates with an opportunity to understand the state’s experience in developing citizen-centric and sustainable mobility solutions.
Padhee stressed the need for close coordination among MoHUA, the H&UD department and other concerned state agencies for the smooth conduct of the event. Joint coordination mechanisms and working teams will be put in place to oversee different components of the conference and ensure their timely completion. Both sides also discussed the roadmap for the coming weeks, with particular emphasis on completing logistical, technical and operational preparations within the stipulated timelines. The conference is expected to provide Odisha with a major national and international platform to highlight its urban mobility initiatives while facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration on sustainable, accessible and livable cities. CRUT Additional Secre tary-cum-GM Sahadev Samadiah, H&UD Joint Secretary Mamatarani Naik, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
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